Upton, now chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, met Dingell in the 1970s when Dingell was first assigned to the country's oldest committee.

"The committee has a rich history that has been shaped beginning in the latter half of the 20th Century by its iconic longtime chairman John Dingell," Upton wrote.

Dingell served as chairman from 1981 until 1994.

"He built a reputation that drew equal measures of fear and admiration," wrote Upton, adding that he now advises new committee members that "it is far better to have Dingell with you on the issue than against you."

Upton said that perhaps the biggest achievement during Dingell's tenure is the state's turnaround in manufacturing, calling the rescue of the auto industry his "finest moment."

"He has taught me real lessons about being the type of elected representative that most Americans truly want to see," wrote Upton. "The Dingell brand of leadership is putting policy over politics, not caring who gets the credit as long as the job gets done, and focusing on things that count."

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect the fact that Upton met Dingell in the 1970s, when Upton worked for U.S. Rep. David Stockman.